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New report aims to start a conversation on gender equality

Graphic: Report cover of rural woman feeding a cow

The Commission's report examines some common themes that emerged during the Commissioner's consultations with more 1,000 people across Australia.

A young woman living in a city was discouraged from applying for a mechanical apprenticeship because it was a career "for boys".

A woman was asked by her employer to wear a bikini while fruit picking in order to get paid a bonus.

These are just some examples of the personal stories that Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins heard during consultations across Australia and shared in a report released ahead of International Women's Day.

"Some of these stories show the terrible impact of violence upon women and children in Australia. Others demonstrate the ingenuity of women across Australia who are responding to the most complex issues that we face as a society," said Commissioner Jenkins.

A Conversation in Gender Equality examines a number of common themes that emerged during the Commissioner's consultations with more 1,000 people from every state and territory in Australia.

The consultations focused on engaging with people from a diverse range of communities and with a variety of life experiences.

"Too often we look at gender equality through a single lens, as if all women have the same lived experiences," Commissioner Jenkins explained.

The report outlines the Commissioner's three main priorities for achieving gender equality:

  • Ending violence against women
  • Improving women's economic security
  • Increasing diversity in decision-making.

Read the report and download the infographic from the Commission's website.

Date: 8 March 2017

Source: Australian Human Rights Commission


Image credits

  1. Report cover of rural woman feeding a cow - Australian Human Rights Commission